KUALA LUMPUR: Condolences have been pouring in following the death of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology founder, Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing this morning.
Among those who paid tribute were veteran journalist Philip Mathews who had forged a friendship with the education icon for the past four decades.
He described Lim's death as a great personal loss, and said it was also a loss for the nation.
He said their friendship began in the early 1970s when he used to come to the New Straits Times office with his Guli-Guli cartoons, which the newspaper had published.
Mathews said they continued to stay in touch ever since, and they often shared many thoughts and ideas on education, politics and contributions to society.
"He was so meticulous in everything he did, from the way he arranged the furniture in his house to the courses he introduced to his universities in Africa and elsewhere.
"He built an education empire like no other, giving hope and a future to those who otherwise lacked the means and the opportunity.
"Also of his challenges, all of which he would find the means to overcome by himself. I shall miss him," he said.
Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak offered his condolences in a Facebook posting.
"Condolences to the family of the deceased and the Limkokwing University institution community," he said today.
Former Deputy Education Minister P. Kamalanathan penned a heartfelt posting on his social media accounts honoring Lim.
He said Lim was one of the most prolific educators in the country, who had a burning passion towards quality education.
"Lim's contribution put the Malaysian institution on the global creativity map, and his commitment to academic excellence has brought praise and respect to the nation," said Kamalanathan
He hopes his international legacy will continue to impact many more generations to come.
"My sincere condolences to Datuk Lim Kok Wing Jr. and Datuk Tiffanee Marie Lim and his family and my fervent prayers are with the Divine to place his soul among the most blessed and worthy," he said today.
Lim passed away reportedly in a private hospital in the morning today.
Rumours of the 75-year-old's death was circulating on social media earlier today and was finally confirmed through a press statement by the university.